Concrete Revolutio and Finding Your Own Justice

What is a super hero? Literally someone with superpowers, or maybe someone who does whatever he can for justice? But then again, what is justice? That’s the question Concrete Revolutio poses, and the question I want to take a look at today.

In a world full of the supernatural, be it aliens, witches or ghosts, the superhuman bureau was created to protect superhumans. Jiro Hitoyoshi, their main agent, is a huge fan of hero’s himself. An unwavering faith in doing what’s right and protecting the weak, that’s what they do, right? But what if they go against the law, the common idea of what justice entails? Do they become evil villains that need to be defeated, or is there more to it?

Through the perspective of Kikko Hoshino, a new addition to the superhuman bureau, we can observe Jiro’s belief in what’s right slowly crumble. As time progresses and Jiro grows up from his blind perspective, he starts to perceive justice not as objective anymore, but as subjective. And not every iteration complies with what he thinks is good.

When Concrete Revolutio begins, Jiro strongly believes that with every new superhuman, there exists an evil especially for them to defeat. But as he encounters different people, not all of them have something to fight. Be it just trying to entertain some people or just making their daughter happy, ways to use your powers can be vastly different.

With the truth behind the death of his former idol, Rainbow Knight, coming to light, Jiro loses faith in what he formerly believed to be good. Is it okay to sacrifice someone for the benefit of many?

But not only his view is portrayed. The other members of the bureau all feature their own sets of morals, albeit not as focused on.

Fuuruota, the childish ghost, doesn’t really think about justice and therefore doesn’t question his superiors. As long as everyone does what they’re happy with, all is good.

Kikko, the teenage witch, just wants to be with her senpai and can’t understand why they can’t work together anymore.

Jaguar is the adult of the group, trying to work towards the best for everyone. Growing up and realizing that idealism doesn’t get you anywhere is a theme often shown in anime, and this is the same here.

Then there’s the Teito Company, who supposedly work in advertisement, but manipulate information and public opinion in different directions. Can you call them evil without any doubt?

Concrete Revolutio is often hailed as “Eccentric, weird and confusing”. In reality though, it’s an episodic study on different morals and ideals. While the episodes in themselves might not be the best, the perspectives offered definitely make it worth a watch.